Diogo Jota’s goal helped Liverpool claim a sixth Premier League title under Arne Slot, but improvement was still needed.
They have won 9 out of 10 Premier League games, won 6 out of 7 games, and conceded 2 goals in 7 games. No matter how the slot is structured to start, with or without strong opposition, the Reds have exceeded most fans’ expectations.
But the good thing is that they didn’t exceed Slot’s expectations. Well, at least he doesn’t tell us that anyway.
He came here to win and that’s what the Reds are doing right now.
PRO – Great first half
Although the team only had one goal to show for their efforts, the first half featured arguably Liverpool’s best football of the season.
Jota’s strike was a case in point where Liverpool defined themselves by ‘piercing’ their opponents. Kostas Tsimikas tipped his pass perfectly to Cody Gakpo, whose cross was met by Jota’s superbly timed dart towards goal.
These 45 minutes were the best example of how Slot likes to attack and dominate the flanks. The Reds were patient around the box and waited for the perfect time to pass to the forwards.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate both had excellent balls and, as usual, Ryan Gravenberch was very confident in getting the ball on the turn.
PRO – Income Stream Was Great
This was the first league game of the season where Slot changed the midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Gravenberch.
Curtis Jones started in place of Szoboszlai and slotted in perfectly. Initially filling the Hungarian’s role, he moved into a slightly more attacking role, filling in for Mac Allister in the second half.
Tsimikas also put in a solid performance, and although he will never be Andy Robertson, he is in good form when called upon.
However, the person worth noting is bound to be Gakpo. His form is very good at the moment and he looks very sharp every time he gets on the ball. Back again, he was a huge asset on Saturday.
It is worth noting that when Mo Salah was substituted, he remained on the left wing as Luis Diaz was brought in on the right flank.
PRO – Virgil van Dijk still best
What’s left to say about Van Dijk?
Well, I think we could have a good conversation about how well he adapted to Slot’s slightly different needs.
One of the captain’s best assets was his long passes, which were always a key part of his build-up play. He is now making vertical passes whenever he gets the chance and making it easier for the midfielders to pass.
The captain made more passes into the final third (10) than anyone else on the pitch against Crystal Palace.
With Gravenberch ready to receive towards his own goal, Van Dijk chooses which foot he wants his compatriot to place the ball on and this makes it easier for the midfielder to open his body.
The captain is truly still the best in the world.
CON – Alisson, of course.
You probably guessed this. It’s a blow that you don’t want to be too negative after another win.
If Liverpool compete for a top four finish we will be fine. If this injury had happened a few weeks ago, we wouldn’t have been so stressed.
The problem is that Liverpool need every marginal advantage they can get to win the league, or even compete.
As these tough games approach, Caoimhin Kelleher will be a safe pair of hands. Probably even better than safe.
But Alisson is a match-winner and Liverpool need that as they grind out results three times a week.
CON – Finish earlier, Liverpool
Another negative of the day, if we’re being picky, was that Liverpool failed to get the job done sooner and it almost cost them.
With so much to play, it would be a huge help if the Reds could wrap things up within the first 60 minutes, allowing Slot to make pre-planned changes without the added worry of a one-goal advantage.
Palace should have made Liverpool pay on Saturday. Eberechi Eze’s one-on-one miss was a particularly poignant moment for supporters.
If you’re only one goal ahead, you should expect to face pressure towards the end of the game. There are games in the season where you have to hold on and Liverpool did that well this weekend, but minimizing those instances goes a long way to maintaining energy throughout the season.
